E3 Expectations! Let's Get Ready!!!

We're only weeks away from E3 and I couldn't be more excited for this years expo. With so much on the line for all three companies this year, its hard to imagine anything but their best when the presentations start. The next generation of systems are already out, so I'm expecting nothing less than a full on barrage of new game announcements from the big three.

 Nintendo cant afford to not impress, especially with the way the Wii U is selling in North America. Hopefully, starting with the release of Mario Kart 8 the Wii U will see a significant boost in the amount of consoles being moved. Lets not kid ourselves though, Mario Kart is going to sell crap loads, but they cant rest on the success of that. MK should give Nintendo the momentum needed to head into E3 strong, but in order to keep that going they have to announce( and release) some good heavy hitting titles. We all know Bayonetta 2 is on its way, same with Hyrule Warriors, Watch Dogs, and Super Smash Bros Wii U. After that though, what else is there? I highly doubt Zelda is dropping this year or even early next year(though I do believe they will announce one), and what about a new Metroid? Its been awfully quiet in regards to a new Metroid game Prime or otherwise, and even if there was one in development it wouldn't be out this year. So here's hoping that we get some release info and announcements from not only Nintendo but from 3rd parties as well. We all know Nintendo is going to make great games, buts its about time the 3rd parties put their money where their mouth is and start making some games for the Wii U.

Lets not forget about the always reliable 3DS. One thing the big N always does well is the handheld, and the 3DS is still selling great, destroying all competition. I'm sure we will see some great games announced for the system this year, but one game I'm praying will be announced is Symphony of The Night 2. I know that leaked E3 list was probably just a troll( which is why its isn't mentioned above), but come on? Wouldn't you just explode if this game was announced?

Now on to Sony and Microsoft. Both of their next gen consoles had strong release dates, although they have both slowed to a crawl. Microsoft suffered from bad press and a steep price tag, while both consoles are now suffering from what I call Wii U syndrome, or more specifically no games. Besides Titanfall and Infamous there aren't many reasons to invest in these new systems, not yet anyway. This is what needs to change after E3 this year, and why I feel all three companies need to focus mainly on announcing software. 

We have the hardware, we know what it can do, now wow us with games. If this was a battle of exclusives, Nintendo has them both beat by miles. I'm hoping to see some blockbuster exclusives announced by both Microsoft and Sony in the coming weeks. I've yet to purchase either system, because there aren't any games that appeal to me that I cant get on PS3 or 360. They have already announced the new Halo Guardians, and it seems likely that we get some info on the new Gears of War game, but these are both Xbox One exclusives. There are plenty of PS4 games coming out, don't get me wrong, I'm just not sure on what exclusives they'll announce. We have all heard the rumors of a PS4 The Last of Us, but no matter how excellent that game was its still a year old. Uncharted 4 an d God of War 4 seem likely, but where on earth is The Last Gaurdian?

As for everyone else? You already know the 3rd party developers are going to be bringing their A games, considering titles like Final Fantasy 15, Kingdoms Hearts 3, Metal Gear Solid 5, Mass Effect(4?),  and Dragon Age Inquisition(just to name a few) are going to be showcased at the event. With so much on the line this years E3 is poised to be one of the best we've had in some time. As long as the focus of the event stays on games. E3 2014 will be held June 10-12, with live streaming for the event on most video game media outlets.

One Of My Faves #2 Mass Effect

Mass Effect. I'm not sure if there is any other game that has consumed so much of my time as this one game has. I mean, i have replayed this trilogy several times, and have completed the original more than I care too count. Looking back, I can clearly remember the first time i played Mass Effect. I rushed through, playing the game as though it was a pure shooter. Just judging the game by the shooting mechanics it wouldn't be very good, and that's why I wasn't impressed by it. To be honest, I had never heard of the game, and so my expectations and interest weren't very high.

 One day, i decide sit down and give it another go and immediately I noticed how cool the game actually looks. The Mass Effect trilogy is gorgeous, and one thing developer BioWare does well is create worlds and characters that look amazing.

This is our generations Star Wars. Pretty high praise right? There is just so much to see and do within Mass Effect, and even more to learn about the games universe. So many stories are hidden away in BioWare's recreation of the Milky Way galaxy. Its not just the story though that keeps me coming back for more, Mass Effect is technically a third person shooter rpg hybrid, and its amazing. The games mechanics  and rpg elements keep you from just run and gunning the entire time, which makes the experience so rewarding. Customizing your characters attack style and leveling up is addictive, as it should be in a good rpg. Are you a soldier or a biotic? Whatever you choose the play styles are vastly different and adds to the games replayablity.

 Another aspect of the game and perhaps the most important is that you create the story. To clarify, many of the games decision are based on you the player. These decisions aren't just limited to turn left or right, but are integral to the story and effect the outcome of situations through all three games. It is one of the reason the game is so immersive, because the Mass Effect universe responds to the actions you choose. For example, you can save someones life in Mass Effect 1 only to be saved by the same character later down the road in Mass Effect 3. The game is all about you,and what you want to do. 

From my fully customized Shepard to my fully upgraded SR-2 Normandy, the attention to detail throughout all three games amazes me. Every world is unique, beautiful, thriving, or abandoned. Every npc given life by the games amazing dialogue. BioWare does such a great job of storytelling and making the player feel as though they are actually in the game. This gives the galaxy life in a way I don't believe any game before ever has.

Mass Effect gives me the same feeling as a great book. Great stories keep you invested, giving you no choice but to constantly think about what happens next, and most importantly makes you care about its characters. If I were to describe Mass Effect in three words it would be captivating, immersive, and epic. This is one of my favorite games ever, and I cant wait for the new one so I can return to the Mass Effect universe.